Lighthouse fires up mayoral campaign

Solomon, Stenhouse spar over why nothing has happened since Conimicut Light was deeded to city 14 years ago

SHABBY LIGHT: Republican candidate for mayor Sue Stenhouse said this week that this picture of Conimicut Lighthouse is evidence of Mayor Joseph Solomon’s failure as chairman of the Conimicut Lighthouse Foundation, a post to which he was named 14 years ago.

Posted
Tuesday, October 2, 2018 12:54 pm

By John Howell

Conimicut Lighthouse is at the center of the first substantive exchange between Warwick’s candidates for mayor.

Citing that Mayor Joseph Solomon was named to head the Conimicut Lighthouse Foundation 14 years ago, Republican Sue Stenhouse issued a press release including a photo of the light with a tree growing from it. She said the photo “sums up 14 years of ‘stewardship’ of Warwick's iconic Conimicut Lighthouse by Acting Mayor Joe Solomon. It is disheartening to see this historic landmark in such a deplorable condition."

“Solomon is solely responsible for the lack of any progress in the restoration of this property. As the head of the Foundation, it was Solomon's responsibility to apply for grants, look for partners and make the property viable,” she said.

Solomon sees it differently.

Interviewed Monday, he said that $500,000 in federal funds had been earmarked for restoration of the lighthouse but that those funds were diverted to other purposes by the administration of former Governor Donald Carcieri. Further, he noted that Stenhouse worked for the Carcieri administration.

“They came to the state,” Solomon asserted when asked if the funds were ever appropriated. “Unfortunately, they went somewhere else…diverted…hopefully not to 38 Studios.”

In response, Stenhouse called Solomon’s characterization that the funding was diverted by the Carcieri administration as “preposterous and ridiculous.” She said the $500,000 was part of a TIP grant that is 80 percent funded by the federal government and 20 percent by the state. She said because of the lack of activity regarding the lighthouse the money went “to other projects that had their acts together.” Eventually, she added, the project that would have gone to securing the lighthouse and cleanup was taken off the lineup for funding.

“The council president,” she said of Solomon, “has no idea of what he’s talking about.”

At the time the lighthouse was conveyed to the city in 2004, Stenhouse was on the City Council. She said that former Mayor Scott Avedisian appointed Solomon because he knew of his desire to save the historic light. And, in fact, as Solomon recalled Monday, he received the deed when the actual conveyance took place at the Elizabeth Buffum Chace Center in Conimicut.

Solomon questioned the presence of a tree growing at the light. He said city personnel visits the light a couple of times during the year and that it has been “sealed” to ensure that it is properly preserved. He also said that NOAA is involved in the operation of the light and that it has a role in national security.

City care of the light isn’t happening, according to Stenhouse.

"Solomon's lack of vision, planning and leadership is jeopardizing the viability of this iconic Warwick resource, as even the most basic upkeep has not been undertaken in the 14 years of his stewardship. The tree growing on the exterior, the grass growing on the roof and broken door are all symbols of promises unkept by Solomon and demonstrates a clear lack of responsibility when it comes to community resources," she said in her release.

“I am extremely concerned that Solomon’s inability to forge partnerships, garner fiscal support and lead members of the foundation will jeopardize the city’s ability to obtain other surplus properties, such as the Warwick Neck Lighthouse, in the future.”

Stenhouse said Solomon conducted two meetings as chair of the foundation over the past 14 years and that he was responsible as a member of the City Council for shooting down the proposal to convert it to a bed and breakfast.

Solomon questioned if the company that submitted the bid is still in business.

Solomon said that Rick Crenca, who at the time was overseeing the project as a member of the planning department, sought to convene foundation meetings but because of conflicting schedules that didn’t happen. He also said Avedisian did not name replacements to the foundation following the loss of some members.

“Since Solomon has unsuccessfully moved the needle over 14 years on this project, why would he not render his resignation and let someone with vision and resources take over?” Stenhouse asks.

In her release, she points out she was the governor’s liaison to the Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse when they were able to restore the light and finalize a lease with Exxon Mobil for use of the land as an educational and historic landmark.

“It was the result of consistent efforts and hard work by a group of dedicated individuals – and the restoration is magnificent,” she said. “There is no excuse for allowing the city’s principal tourism symbol to be treated in such a cavalier and careless manner. Is this what we want from someone seeking the corner office in City Hall?”

Stenhouse said she has reached out to the Department of Interior and the National Parks Service in hopes of answering whether they might revoke the lighthouse conveyance, a question that was raised when the lease proposal was denied by the City Council. She said she is awaiting return calls.

Asked if loss of the lighthouse is a possibility, Solomon said, “Sue lacks information. Unfortunately, she should know better.” He said there “are restrictions in place” that limit what the city can do and that he would willingly share those with Stenhouse if she requests them.

“It’s not going back to the federal government,” he said emphatically of the lighthouse.

Comments

master mayer, hows can you let such shenanigans go on. the taxprayers pay and pay and pray and they have nothing to show for it. we erected you for a reason, get outs there and do some fighting

Tuesday, October 2

richardcorrente

This issue is gridlocked. I don't think it's anyone's fault. That bed-and-breakfast proposal never made it past the initial stages, and no one else came forward. The Dollar lighthouse next to the Jamestown (Verrazano) Bridge, was called "The Dollar Lighthouse" because it was for sale for decades "for a dollar" with the stipulation the it be relocated. No has ever bitten on that one either. A few years ago, some people got together and got it restored. Today, that lighthouse is beautiful. (I fished near it last weekend). No group has ever shown the same interest in the Conimicut Lighthouse. That's not Solomon's fault. I have to defend him on this one. If there aren't any real buyers or investors, the result is an unfortunate gridlock. Too bad. The potential is definitely there.

Happy Autumn everyone.

Rick Corrente

Tuesday, October 2

TheSkipper

If we "Pick on Rick" because he declares himself "The Taxpayers Mayor"?

Then 'Ol Suzie must be "The Cross-dressers Candidate"....

Tuesday, October 2

JohnStark

It's really a simple question:

What, exactly, has the Conimicut Lighthouse Foundation accomplished in it's 14 year history with Mr. Solomon at the helm?

The Foundation tried to hold meetings, "but because of conflicting schedules that didn’t happen." Really??!! Two meetings in 14 years??!! Those "schedules" must have been awfully tight!! Keeping track of Warwick's ever increasing number of vacant storefronts must be draining to these guys. Instead of sharing information with Stenhouse, perhaps Mr. Solomon could 'share' information' with the citizens he seeks to represent, acknowledge that he has spent a decade and a half ignoring the responsibilities of the very Foundation he has headed, and let us all know what he plans to do about it.

Tuesday, October 2

WwkVoter

Sgt Schultz Solomon will say "I know nothing! I see nothing! I did NOT even get UP... this morning!..." lol

https://youtu.be/kp9BJxFHDYI

Tuesday, October 2

patientman

John Stark nailed it. Solomon should have recognized he wasn't getting the job done and resigned.

Tuesday, October 2

PhillipDrummond

So it begins. Solomon responded like he always does and that's with an" I don't know" and places the blame on someone else. A few more of those kind of responses and he'll come across as incompetent. 2 meetings in 14 years is a disgrace. I guess actually doing his job wasn't high on his list of priorities.

Wednesday, October 3

Cat2222

How can anyone be disgruntled over this falling down in the list of priorities? How does a lighthouse stack up against budgets, programs, services, etc.? I am far more pleased that the other items were given time and priority because clearly they were more important. For Sue Stenhouse to be bringing this up as a campaign issue just shows shes out of touch and not the right person to lead the city. There are far more important issues facing this city than this lighthouse and she should be focusing on them.

Wednesday, October 3

JohnStark

I know neither Mr. Solomon nor Ms. Stenhouse. My fear is that voters will support Mr. Solomon due to his name recognition and "experience". Ask yourself this: After 18 years with Mr. Solomon on the city council, is Warwick a better, more vibrant, more desirable, more affordable place than 18 years ago? I would urge the reader to answer this question by taking a drive that starts in the parking lot of the former "Hooters" on Airport Rd. Drive down Airport Road going east, through Hoxsie, all the way through Conimicut and up past Warwick Vets, ending in the parking lot of the former Backstop and former Benny's. Did you count the number of vacant storefronts? Your investment of about 15 minutes will provide all the electoral answers you need. Is the blight the fault of Mr. Solomon? No. But should he, somehow, be rewarded for 18 years of overseeing all this? Absolutely not!

Wednesday, October 3

WwkVoter

Cat I disagree. While Solomon is still the best (or, only logical) choice, and Stenhouse really unqualified, this is #3 on the list (so far) of Solomon's Sgt Schultz issues. He's not looking like he is proactive, or even, in this case, responsible. 2 meetings in 14 years, and failing to protect a precious high visibility landmark like this? I'm sorry. No excuse is good enough.

Wednesday, October 3

What’s Up With That

It’s easier to get elected than it is to lead. Being the council president with veto proof majorities, Solomon could have lead. He did not. Just saying no is not leading. By the way, once the Mayor submits the budget and the public hearings close it is then the council’s budget to adopt so whose responsible for tax increases. I think there was at least one year maybe 2 where the council voted no on the budget which ment the Mayor’s budget went in as proposed. Now that’s leadership.

Wednesday, October 3

FASTFREDWARD4

I,ll buy it when can I close I,m a big boy my offer 25k ok mayor when do you want to sit down my layers joey and mikey

Thursday, October 4

FASTFREDWARD4

then we have a place to have a nice card game after I fix it up. close club

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